s over the peaks of Skybound Sect as Lin Feng stepped onto the training field. His body still bore the bruises from yesterday's hunt, but his mind was alight with energy. The system's power pulsed within him, waiting—no, demanding—to be used.
As soon as he'd returned from the hunt, he'd secluded himself in the basic cultivation chambers. He had waited, gathering the essence he'd collected from the beasts, and now, finally, he was ready.
He sat cross-legged in the center of the circular stone platform, the low hum of spiritual energy vibrating beneath him. Around him, faint glyphs carved into the stone glowed with pale blue light, absorbing ambient Qi from the environment and funneling it toward the cultivator in its center.
[System Alert: You have accumulated sufficient Qi and experience.
Would you like to attempt breakthrough to Qi Condensation Stage 3?]
"Yes," Lin Feng said aloud. "Initiate breakthrough."
The air seemed to still. The system's interface shimmered in front of him.
[Beginning Breakthrough Sequence…
Warning: Physical strain and spiritual overload may occur.]
Lin Feng grit his teeth. "Let it come."
Qi surged into him like a tidal wave. The Beast Essences he had gathered flared to life in his dantian, each one a pulsing sphere of primal energy. They burst in succession, releasing streams of essence that flowed through his meridians—no longer severed, but reforged by the system's strange, divine design.
Pain gripped his body as the energy rampaged through his veins, threatening to tear him apart. He could feel impurities burning away, bones crackling as they were strengthened, muscles twitching under the strain of rapid evolution.
In the deepest part of his consciousness, a vast gate loomed—the symbolic barrier between Qi Condensation stages. The gate trembled under the onslaught of force, cracks splintering across its surface.
Then—
BOOM!
With a thunderous crack that echoed only within his spiritual sea, the gate shattered.
[Breakthrough Successful!]
Qi Condensation Stage 3 achieved.
+2 Strength | +2 Vitality | +3 Spirit | New Skill Unlocked: "Essence Pulse"
Lin Feng opened his eyes. The air around him shivered. He exhaled slowly, white mist streaming from his lips. He felt... powerful.
But he also felt watched.
He turned.
Standing at the edge of the training field was a figure in dark violet robes embroidered with silver stars—Elder Jian, one of the inner sect's sternest cultivators.
"You broke through in less than two days," the elder said, eyes narrowed. "Who are you really, Lin Feng?"